Lavandula angustifolia is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean. The species name angustifolia is Latin for "narrow leaf". Previously, it was known as Lavandula officinalis, referring to its medicinal properties.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with its aromatic leaves and flowers, is often considered an herb, but it is actually an herbaceous perennial with a semi-woody growth habit. A member of the mint family, its woody stems are often cut back to ground level each year. It is often grown to produce leaves and flowers to dry for sachets and potpourris, but it is also a very attractive garden plant with vibrant purple flowers. This plant is typically 2 to 3 feet tall, with narrow, gray-green leaves (to 2 1/2 inches long) on square stems. The bluish-purple flowers appear late spring to early summer. In warmer climates, the leaves may be evergreen. This plant provides good mid-summer color to the garden and is often used in perennial borders, rock gardens, as well as in herb gardens and scent gardens.
